Alay Mountains, Kyrgyzstan
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day trekking expedition through the rugged heart of Kyrgyzstan's Alay Range and the high-altitude landscapes of the Pamir Mountains. Starting from the historic Silk Road city of Osh, this immersive journey leads you across dramatic mountain passes—including Sary Mogul Pass (4,306m), Jiptick Pass (4,185m), and Traveller's Pass (4,150m)—offering spectacular panoramas of alpine lakes, red rock gorges, and towering glaciers.Along the trail, you will experience authentic Kyrgyz nomadic culture, staying in family-run guesthouses and traditional yurt camps set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The expedition culminates at the iconic Tulpar Kol Lake and the foot of Lenin Peak (7,134m), making it an ideal journey for avid trekkers seeking remote wilderness, high-altitude challenges, and unforgettable cultural encounters.
Book on ViatorDuration
8 Days/ 7 Nights
Rating
4.9 (107 Reviews)
Pickup Point
Visit Alay - Osh Office 245 Ergesh Alieva street, Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Price
1,100$
Itinerary
DAY 1: OSH TO SARY MOGUL VILLAGE
Stop 1: Alay Mountains
Driving distance/time: 220 km, 4 hours |
Trekking distance/time: 6 km, 3-4 hours
Depart from the historic city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan to the village of Sary-Mogul (3,000 meters). There is remarkable scenery along the way to Sary-Mogul, so enjoy the ride! After two and half hours of driving, we stop for a short 4-hour of hiking to the beautiful Tulpar Kol lake. Have lunch and continue driving to Sary-Mogul. After arrival, you can enjoy the incredible views of the 7,000+ meter high snow-capped Pamir Mountains in the distance. We will enjoy a home-cooked dinner and an overnight stay at a family-run guesthouse. In Sary Mogul, there are several small convenience stores for last-minute purchases.
Duration: 5 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Shared guesthouse
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY – HIKE FROM SARY MOGUL TO ZHANYRYK YURT CAMP
Stop 1: Alay Mountains
Trekking distance/time: 14 km, 4-5-hours Ascent / Descent: 461m, 115 m
After breakfast, we'll begin our trek toward the first yurt camp, following an easy car road winding through open valleys and passing by yurt camps. Along the way, we'll encounter grazing animals like yaks, sheep, and horses, with eagles soaring above and marmots scurrying. Refreshing spring waters offer scenic rest stops. This trek provides a chance to observe the nomadic lifestyle up close. At the yurt camp (3,300m), relax, have lunch, then hike nearby hills for acclimatization. In the evening, enjoy dinner under the stars before resting in the yurt.
Duration: 7 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Shared yurt camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
DAY 3: TREK FROM ZHANYRYK YURT CAMP OVER SARY MOGUL PASS (4,306M) TO CAMPSITE
Stop 1: Alay MountainsTrekking distance/time: 15 km, 8-9 hours | Ascent / Descent: 1,059 m / 859 m
Following a short 30-minute drive, the route leads over Sary Mogul Pass (4,306 meters) with views of glaciers and alpine lakes (such as Besh Kol), concluding at a campsite at 3,557 meters.
Duration: 6 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Shared yurt camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: TREK TO KOSH MOINOK VALLEY VIA KYZYL SHORO VILLAGE
Stop 1: Alay MountainsTrekking distance/time: 19.4 km, 7-8 hours | Ascent / Descent: 886 m / 1,596 m
A downhill trek crossing rivers and moving into greener terrain toward Kyzyl Shoro village for lunch and a hot shower. The day finishes with an ascent to Koshmoinok Pass (3,210 meters) and a descent into the valley at 2,800 meters.Duration: 8 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Shared yurt camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: TO JIPTICK YURT CAMP VIA KOZHOKELEN VILLAGE OVER SARY BELL PASS
Stop 1: Alay Mountains
Trekking distance/time: 24 km, 9 hours | Ascent: 1299 m | Descent: 1095 m
Ascend to Sarybell Pass (3,132 m) for views of the Kichik Alay Mountains, then cross "Three Dragon Gorge" with red rock formations and alpine views. Descend into Kozhokelen village for lunch at a guesthouse with hot showers and internet. Continue along the river to the yurt camp at Jiptick Pass's base through a scenic gorge.
Duration: 4 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Shared yurt camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: TREK TO YURT CAMP AT DARBAZATASH VALLEY OVER JIPTICK PASS AT 4,185 METERS
Stop 1: Jiptick Pass
Trekking distance/time: 16 km, 8 hours | Ascent: 1150 m | Descent: 931 m
Trek along the river up to the foot of Jiptick Pass, then climb the switchbacks to the pass at 4,185 meters. Enjoy expansive views of the Pamir Mountains and Lenin Peak (7,134 meters) on clear days. Descend into Darbazatash Valley (3,274 meters) for dinner and a stay at the yurt camp.
Duration: 8 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Shared yurt camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: SARY-MOGOL VILLAGE – TULPAR KOL LAKE
Stop 1: Lake Tulpar-Kol
Trekking distance/time: 20 km, 6 hours | Ascent: 760 m | Descent: 760 m | Driving: 5 hours
Head south from Tulpar Kol toward Lenin Peak Base Camp, ascending to Traveller's Pass (4,150 meters) via a steep zigzag section near the top. Enjoy viewpoints of glaciers tumbling off the peak and clear views of Lenin Peak (7,134 m). Return to the yurt camp, then drive back to Osh city (5 hours).
Duration: 8 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8: TREK TO TRAVELLERS'S PASS (4150 meters) – OSH CITY
Stop 1: Kathmandu Team members will assist you in last minute preparations and will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport, where they will bid you farewell and hope to serve you again! Duration: 3 hours | Admission Ticket Free
Pass By: Garden of Dreams Garden of Dreams, Kathmandu, Nepal
Pass By: Narayanhiti Palace Museum Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
✅ Guide: English-speaking trekking guide
✅ Accommodation: Shared accommodation: yurt and homestays (Note: 3-5 person shared rooms for yurt and homestays)
✅ Transport: Transport from/to Osh, Kyrgyzstan
✅ Transport: Transport to/from Tulpar Kol Yurt Camp
✅ Luggage Service: Luggage service up to 15 kg/person (via horse)
✅ Staff: Horseman
✅ Permits: Border permit for the Peak Lenin Base Camp (Note: last-minute permit requests require a surcharge)
✅ Meals: Breakfast (7)
✅ Meals: Dinner (7)
✅ Meals: Lunch (8)
What's Excluded
❌ Hotel and meals in Osh city
❌ Services outside of the standard program
❌ Tips
❌ Travel and health insurance
Who Is This Tour For?
✅ Active & Passionate Trekkers: Ideal for hikers looking for a thrilling high-altitude adventure in Central Asia, capable of negotiating steep mountain passes like Sary Mogul Pass (4,306m) and Jiptick Pass (4,185m).
✅ Cultural & Authentic Experience Seekers: Perfect for travelers who want to experience genuine Kyrgyz nomadic hospitality, staying in traditional yurt camps and family-run homestays along the trail.
✅ Nature & Mountain Panorama Lovers: Designed for photography and nature enthusiasts who want to witness dramatic alpine lakes (Tulpar Kol), deep red-rock gorges, glaciers, and iconic 7,000-meter giants like Lenin Peak (7,134m).
✅ Pack-Light Expedition Trekkers: Great for mountain lovers who want an immersive multi-day trekking experience in remote wilderness with full logisitical support, including horse luggage transport up to 15 kg per person.
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